Providence

by Joe Hickman

Some of our Bible classes have recently begun the study of the book of Esther. One theme that comes up often in this book is the providence of God. God provides every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

We pray to God to “give us this day our daily bread,” yet we work to earn money. Obviously, the money with which we buy our bread is the means God uses to give us the food we eat. We continue to ask and He keeps on giving according to our need and His mercy and wisdom.

We could list details from many aspects of God’s provisions for us. As we think of God’s providence we are certainly reminded of the need for gratitude, for giving of thanks. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV)

And there is always the need to recognize that God does not give us blessings just so we can have and keep them. He teaches us to give to the needs of others and to the work of the spreading of the gospel.

Let us also recall that God knows our needs before we ask (Matthew 6:8), but He expects us to ask nonetheless. And He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).